In just a few years, Stake.com has transformed from a niche crypto casino into one of the world’s leading online gambling brands. Known for its crypto-first model, global sponsorships, and community-driven approach, Stake has become synonymous with innovation in the iGaming industry. But how did Stake succeed, who founded it, and what’s the story behind its rise?
The Origins of Stake
Stake was founded in 2017 by Ed Craven (Australia) and Bijan Tehrani (United States), who were also the creators of Primedice, one of the earliest and most popular Bitcoin dice gambling platforms.
With their experience from Primedice, the founders saw an opportunity to expand beyond dice games into a full-service crypto casino and sportsbook. This vision gave birth to Stake.com, operated under Medium Rare N.V., a company registered and licensed in Curaçao.
Who Owns Stake?
- Founders: Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani.
- Parent Company: Medium Rare N.V.
- Headquarters: While registered in Curaçao, Stake has global operations with a significant presence in Australia and offices worldwide.
Both founders maintain a relatively low public profile, but Ed Craven in particular has gained attention in Australia as one of the country’s youngest billionaires, thanks to Stake’s explosive growth.
How Stake Succeeded
1. Crypto-First Casino
Unlike traditional online casinos, Stake was designed around cryptocurrencies from the start. This gave it an edge in offering:
- Instant deposits and withdrawals
- Low fees
- Global access without banking restrictions
2. Provably Fair Gaming
Building on the blockchain legacy of Primedice, Stake emphasized provably fair systems, boosting trust and transparency among players.
3. Global Sponsorships
Stake built brand recognition through massive sponsorships, including:
- UFC Official Betting Partner
- Formula 1 Alfa Romeo Racing
- Football Clubs: Everton FC and Watford FC
- Celebrity Ambassadors: Drake, Israel Adesanya, Sergio Agüero
These deals elevated Stake into mainstream visibility well beyond the crypto community.
4. Diverse Game Portfolio
Stake expanded rapidly, offering:
- Casino games (slots, roulette, blackjack, live dealers)
- A full sportsbook covering global events
- Innovative crypto-exclusive games
5. Community and Loyalty Programs
Stake nurtured a strong global community through forums, chatrooms, and generous VIP programs, ensuring high player retention.
6. Regulatory Navigation
By basing operations in Curaçao, Stake navigated the challenges of gambling regulation while expanding to global markets.
The Story of Stake’s Rise
- 2013–2016: Founders launched Primedice, gaining experience in crypto gambling.
- 2017: Stake.com was officially launched as a crypto-first casino and sportsbook.
- 2019–2021: Rapid growth through partnerships and player acquisition.
- 2021–2023: Stake became a household name through sponsorships with UFC, football clubs, and Drake collaborations.
- 2024–2025: Stake continues to expand as one of the largest crypto gambling platforms worldwide, serving millions of users.
Final Thoughts
Stake’s success story is built on crypto innovation, strong leadership, and bold marketing strategies. By combining blockchain transparency, global sponsorships, and a robust player community, founders Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani turned Stake into a global iGaming powerhouse.
While challenges around regulation and competition remain, Stake’s early adoption of crypto and aggressive branding ensure it will remain a leader in online gambling’s Web3 future.
